CUBA: DISCOVERING ITS PEOPLE AND CULTURE WITHIN CITIES SEEMINGLY FROZEN IN TIME beats the vibrant pulse of Cuba’s most
valuable resource: its people. Connect with Cubans of all backgrounds on this unique program, learning about their everyday lives and examining the forces that have shaped Cuban culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Old Havana and Trinidad to colonial Cienfuegos, meet historians and scientists, athletes and artists, entrepreneurs and musicians—and experience this fastchanging island nation through their eyes. EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Discuss historic preservation with local experts, and meet residents as you explore Old Havana and Trinidad. • Meet with local dancers and musicians in the colonial city of Cienfuegos. • Witness Cuba’s shifting cultural and economic landscape on visits to schools, art studios, and privately owned businesses. • Soak up rhythms of all sorts—from Afro-Cuban to award-winning a cappella.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT Travel writer and photographer Christopher P. Baker, author of National Geographic Traveler: Cuba, is one of the world’s leading authorities on Cuban travel and culture. His more than 20 books include the awardwinning Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro’s Cuba. He has also written for numerous publications, from National Geographic Traveler to Newsweek, and has given talks about Cuba at National Geographic headquarters, the National Press Club, and the World Affairs Council. Christopher will share his unique insights into Cuban culture, history, and politics. CHRISTOPHER WILL ACCOMPANY THE FOLLOWING DEPARTURES IN 2016: NOVEMBER 6 AND DECEMBER 4 AND 15. IN 2017, HE WILL JOIN THESE DEPARTURES: FEBRUARY 12, MARCH 12 AND 26, MAY 7 AND 21, AND JUNE 4 AND 18. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR EXPERTS ON OTHER DEPARTURES.
30
I T I N E R A RY
| 9 DAYS
DAY 1 MIAMI, FLORIDA/HAVANA, CUBA
Depart Miami for Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief driving tour of the city and head to the lively community arts program of Muraleando. Get to know artists who have helped transform a downtrodden neighborhood into a living work of art. Then check in to our hotel before gathering for a welcome dinner. HOTEL PARQUE CENTRAL (D) DAY 2 HAVANA
The architecture of Havana is astounding in its breadth and elegance, yet years of neglect have left many buildings in need of restoration. Learn about the challenges and successes of historic preservation from a local expert, then set out into Old Havana to see centuries-old gems—and meet the Cubans who live and work in them. After lunch, join local youth and their teachers who are carrying on the traditions of Afro-Cuban religion, dance, and music. Delve into race relations and
other issues during a meeting and film screening with Afro-Cuban filmmakers. Attend a special musical performance after dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 3 HAVANA
Spend the morning with Cuban professionals, discussing education, economics, social issues, the role of government, and other topics of interest. Then join a sports expert to learn about the historical and political importance of sports in Cuba. In the afternoon, meet the instructors and students of La Colmenita, an after-school program that uses song and dance as a social development tool. (B, L, D) DAY 4 CIENFUEGOS
Drive south to Cienfuegos, a port city with French colonial roots. Stroll along the main commercial street on a walking tour of the city, stopping to talk to cuentapropistas (self-employed workers) about the burgeoning private economy here. At the prestigious Benny Moré Art School, watch students perform music and dance, view their artwork, and hear the stories of these talented youth
Above: A dancer whirls on the colorful streets of Old Havana, Cuba.